By The Horns: A Chicago Bulls Show

Cam Smith and Drew Stevens react to the much anticipated return of Lonzo Ball. Keeping a measured expectation for Zo and what he'll mean to this roster once he's fully ramped up. Also the young players that Billy Donovan should be looking at to fill out the remaining spots on the roster. 

Cam and Drew review the latest from the last two Bulls preseason games. They begin with Zach LaVine's impressive performance against the Memphis Grizzlies. Is Julian Phillips proving to Billy Donovan he deserves key minutes off the bench? Adama Sanogo's strong showing versus the Bucks and Talen Horton-Tucker's path to making the roster. Also, what we are looking for from the return of Lonzo Ball.

Welcome to By The Horns. Get to know Camron Smith and Drew Stevens as they talk about their Chicago roots. They explore their favorite memory following the Bulls. With the preseason officially underway there are already some eye catching moments. They get into the spark that Matas Buzelis brings to the defensive side of the ball.

As you may know, NBC Sports Chicago’s 20-year run serving Chicago’s passionate fans, its partners, and community is coming to a close on Monday, Sept. 30. This is our final episode of Bulls Talk Podcast. We thank our viewers, readers, listeners, and followers for their incredible support over the last two decades. If you are a subscriber of Bulls Talk Podcast, you will automatically receive podcast episodes from the new Chicago Sports Network.

Kevin Anderson and K.C. Johnson break down the tough decisions facing Billy Donovan as the Bulls season approaches. Could Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine come off the bench this year (4:18)? How might LaVine handle reduced usage (7:00)? They dive into which players are locks for Donovan's rotation and who might be on the bubble, including whether Lonzo Ball will see any minutes (9:30). The guys also debate if Donovan will expand to a 10-man rotation (20:30), predict the Bulls' win total (28:41), and assess their playoff chances (32:03). Plus, could Matas Buzelis make a surprise run for Rookie of the Year (35:03)? Don’t miss this in-depth look at the season ahead!

Kevin Anderson and K.C. Johnson break down the Bulls' 2024 schedule, highlighting the most anticipated matchups, including the first game against DeMar DeRozan with the Kings (3:25), a showdown with Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs on January 6th (6:05), and Alex Caruso’s return with OKC in the Bulls' home opener (7:35). They also dive into the excitement of the in-season tournament (17:35) and give an encouraging update on Lonzo Ball, who's now playing 5-on-5 full contact (18:39). Plus, a celebration of Team USA’s basketball gold at the Paris Olympics (24:00)!

In Part 3 of our mailbag series, hosts Kevin Anderson and K.C. Johnson dive deep into the burning questions about the Bulls. How will Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic's potential roles impact the minutes of younger players? Get the latest updates on LaVine’s status with the Bulls (0:46). Kevin and K.C. debate the likelihood of Zach or Vooch playing reduced minutes (3:55) and discuss strategies for enhancing LaVine’s trade value (5:17). Discover the Bulls' mission moving forward (6:30) and why LaVine might not need to rehab his value after all (12:23). The hosts also explore the challenges the Bulls face in admitting a rebuild (15:03) and ways to foster a winning, competitive culture (18:16). Plus, get their reactions to Team USA's Olympic play and predictions on their biggest competition (30:36). Don't miss this must-listen episode packed with insights and analysis!

Join hosts Kevin Anderson, K.C. Johnson, and Tony Gill for Part 2 of our Bulls Mailbag episode as they tackle your hottest questions! They kick things off by debating whether Matas Buzelis will compete in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest next season (1:00), then dive into expectations for his performance and whether he will live up to the hype (4:05). The discussion continues with a breakdown of the lineup, depth chart, and over/under win predictions (11:01). The hosts also unravel the details of the Sacramento picks from the DeMar DeRozan sign-and-trade. (25:56). They project roles for young talents like Buzelis, Dalen Terry and Julian Phillips versus veterans like Jevon Carter, Torrey Craig and Chris Duarte (27:28), debate whether Buzelis would be a Jedi or a Sith (33:50), and speculate on which current Bulls player might be starring when the team next reaches the NBA Finals (37:00). Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with insights, predictions and a touch of fun!

In part 1 of our mailbag series, host Kevin Anderson, K.C. Johnson, and Tony Gill dive into your burning questions about the Chicago Bulls. Who's more likely to be traded first, Zach LaVine or Nikola Vucevic (1:14)? Discover which two Bulls teammates had the greatest dislike for each other and how it impacted the team (5:55). Can Matas Buzelis be compared to Lauri Markkanen (14:10)? We explore the Bulls' plans for Javonte Green and the latest updates on Lonzo Ball (18:34). What's the does the future look like for Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig in the rotation (22:33)? Plus, hear our hosts share their experiences of being recognized by Bulls fans and reveal a music artist who might be a secret listener of the pod (30:13).

On the latest Bulls Talk Podcast, hosts Kevin Anderson and K.C. Johnson delve into K.C.’s article about Billy Donovan and his son Billy Donovan III’s journey to becoming the head coach of the summer league team and the Windy City Bulls (0:56). They discuss Billy Donovan III's serious approach to coaching and his potential NBA aspirations (7:42), and how Billy Donovan supports his son’s independent path (9:50). The duo also covers Matas Buzelis' impressive summer league performance and set realistic expectations for his season (16:16). They debate the Bulls' projected starting lineup and potential perimeter defense issues (20:00), and explore Julian Phillips' development in his second year (25:22). Lastly, they analyze Bronny James' performance in the Summer League as he prepares to face the Bulls and his NBA prospects (27:36). Tune in for an engaging episode packed with insights and analysis!